By Amirah Razman and Josh Ballou
The Minnesota Vixen have come a long way since the “No Limits Barnstorming Tour” in 1999, their inaugural season. Several division and conference titles later, the Vixen remain the longest running women’s football team in the country, and what an honor that is – making history by putting Minnesota on the women’s football map.
In honor of Women’s History Month, here is a recap of some of the key moments in the team’s history.
1999 – The Vixen are founded
The Minnesota Vixen were founded in 1999 by two businessmen who discussed the idea of a professional women’s football league. They decided to hold an exhibition game to gauge this idea, and over 100 women attended tryouts. However, an exhibition game needs to have two teams – and that was how the Minnesota Vixen were born. The Vixen were created alongside the Lake Michigan Minx for the exhibition, and it was decided to take this idea nationwide. Hence, the “No Limits Barnstorming Tour” was born.
It was a six-city tour that included stops in Miami, Chicago, New York, and Minneapolis (the site of the final game on the tour, held in the Metrodome). Turnout during the championship game reached over 2,000 attendees, with many enthusiastic fans watching the two teams making history as the first ever professional women’s tackle football teams.
Despite the Vixen losing 30-27 in the championship, women’s tackle football was a hit – and so the Women’s Professional Football League was born.
2000 – First season in the WPFL
The Vixen was one of 11 teams the following year in the newly established Women’s Professional Football League (WPFL). They would finish the season undefeated at 5-0 and as Central Division champions, while also maintaining home-field advantage during the American Conference Playoffs. The team came up short in the American Conference Championship Game, where the Houston Energy defeated the Vixen 35-14 and would eventually become the WPFL’s inaugural champions.
2001 –
The season lasted just three games, and the Vixen finished with a 1-2 record. Their sole matchups were against the Arizona Caliente and the Indianapolis Vipers.
2004 –
It was a 10-game season, where the Vixen finished 6-4 and went to the playoffs for the first time since their inaugural season in the WPFL. However, they would lose in the National Conference Semifinal to the Delaware Griffins.
2005 – This season was a repeat of the previous, where they finished 6-4 and were playoff bound. However, the team fell short in the National Conference Championship game against the New York Dazzles.
2007 – Their last season in the WPFL
The Vixen finished 2-5 in their last season in the WPFL. They would go to join the National Women’s Football Association the following year.
2008 – First (and only) year in the NWFA
The Vixen finished the season 6-2 and went on another playoff run, but it was short-lived. They ended up losing 31-7 to the eventual league runners-up West Michigan Mayhem. The NWFA became defunct, so the Vixen had to find a new league to call home.
2009 – First Season in the IWFL
The first season in the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL) was met with growing pains for the Vixen. They finished 2-6.
2013 –
After finishing the regular season 3rd in the Midwest Division, the Vixen made their first playoff appearance in the IWFL. They faced the Arlington Impact in the Tier II Western Conference Championship, losing a close game 18-14. Behind the scenes, 2013 also marked the arrival of a key figure in Vixen history: Laura Brown joined the team as a rookie. Her passion for the game and leadership qualities would eventually lead her to become the team’s owner, playing a central role in shaping the Vixen’s future both on and off the field.
2014 –
This was the first season under the new and current owner, Laura Brown. The newly led Vixen finished 6-2 and in second place in the Midwest Division. A 4-game winning streak leading into the postseason was halted by a loss in the Legacy Bowl to the Carolina Queens. This bowl game is the first known game officiated by an all-female crew.
Minnesota Vixen Team- 2016 IWFL Conference Championship
2016 – Last Season in IWFL
The Vixen were dominant in the regular season, posting an undefeated 8-0 record. Their defense produced 5 shutouts and had a point differential of +230. The Vixen beat the New York Sharks 40-34 in the first round of the playoffs. A record-setting crowd of over 1,100 witnessed a game-winning pick-six by rookie Crystal Ninas. The perfect season came to an end with a loss to the Utah Falconz in the IWFL World Championship.
2017 – First Season in the WFA
The Vixen departed from the IWFL and joined the WFA, where they still play today. The inaugural season in the WFA was met with success, finishing 6-2. However, after a first round win in the playoffs, the Vixen lost to the Dallas Elite in the second round.
2018 –
The Vixen extended their streak of winning seasons with an impressive 7-1 record. Owner Laura Brown made history as the team’s first female head coach. Under her leadership, the Vixen defeated the Mile High Blaze to capture the 2018 WFA American Conference Championship. They advanced to the WFA Division 2 National Championship, where they fell to the New York Sharks.
2021 – The Vixen returned after a year off from the COVID-19 pandemic, posting another winning season with a 6-0 record. After two playoff wins, the Vixen fell short in the Division 1 Championship Game to the Boston Renegades.
2022 –
In 2022, the Minnesota Vixen delivered another standout season, finishing with a 6–3 regular season record and appearing for the second time in the WFA Pro National championship where they fell again to Boston. In addition to success on the field, members of the coaching staff also gained national recognition. Wide receivers coach Connor Jo Lewis was selected as a Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship recipient, working with the tight ends, fullbacks, and analytics team for the Baltimore Ravens during their training camp. Her achievement highlighted the caliber of coaching talent within the Vixen organization and underscored the team’s broader influence on the sport.
2024 –
The Vixen promoted head coach Connor Jo Lewis, becoming the second female head coach in Vixen history and bringing a fresh perspective to the sidelines. The team finished 4-2 in the regular season. The Vixen reached the American Conference Championship game, but they lost a 44-27 contest to their biggest rivals, the St. Louis Slam.
Looking Ahead
From a bold idea in 1999 to a national powerhouse in women’s football, the Minnesota Vixen have carved out a legacy defined by grit, growth, and groundbreaking achievements. Through league changes, playoff battles, and historic leadership milestones, the Vixen have remained a constant force—pushing the game forward and inspiring generations along the way.
As we reflect on their journey during Women’s History Month, one thing is clear: the Minnesota Vixen are more than just a football team—they are pioneers. With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, the Vixen continue to lead the charge for equity, opportunity, and excellence in women’s sports. Their story is still being written, and the best is yet to come.
